SBA’s 2020 Montana SBA LEGACY AWARD – Jim Davison, Anaconda, MT

• SBA LEGACY AWARD – Jim Davison, Anaconda, MT;
  • This award is given to an individual who epitomizes leadership, mentorship and philanthropy, and has dedicated their life’s work to advocating for small businesses.

Jim Davison served Anaconda, MEDA and the entire state of Montana well over his very distinguished career in economic development.  He recently retired as Executive Director of Anaconda Local Development Corporation after 37 years of service.  Jim is a true collaborator and dedicated his career to strengthening and diversifying the economy of Anaconda and Deer Lodge County.  Nominated by: Paul Tuss, Bear Paw Development and Adam Vauthier, Anaconda Local Development

Small Business Person of the Year

Keelan James, owner of Easy Lawn Hydroseeding, LLC in Belgrade has been named Montana’s U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Person of the Year for 2020. Easy Lawn Hydroseeding provides seeding, erosion control and land reclamation services for commercial and residential customers.  The company focuses on land restoration after major construction projects, environmental clean-up, river and stream restoration, wetland mitigation, and private land improvements and management.

Each year since 1963, the president has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week.  This annual celebration recognizes the ingenuity, steadfastness, innovation, and community investment that is required of America’s entrepreneurs.  This year’s events will also highlight the critical importance of supporting locally-owned small businesses during the current COVID 19 pandemic.

“I am constantly amazed by the ingenuity and resourcefulness that the Big Sky Country small business community has shown during the current pandemic,” said SBA Director of Rural Affairs Dan Nordberg. “This year, National Small Business Week will celebrate and applaud all of the entrepreneurs throughout Montana that have endured and outlasted the COVID 19 experience.  I congratulate Keelan James for being named the state’s small business person of the year.  I also commend each of the other Small Business Week winners from Montana.”

James will receive his award at the Easy Lawn Hydroseeding headquarters in Belgrade.  Throughout the remainder of this month SBA Montana District Director Brett Donnelly will also recognize multiple other small business owners and community leaders at various events across the state.

“The 120,000 small businesses in Montana are the cornerstones of our local economies in both rural and urban areas,” said Donnelly. “Our Small Business Week award winners not only highlight the opportunity for prosperity though entrepreneurship, but also the tremendous impacts small firms have on local Montana communities – even during a pandemic.  I congratulate Keelan James and all the other awardees for being named Montana’s Small Business Week winners, Montana has a long and rich history of entrepreneurship and innovation and we are proud to honor all the awardees.”

Following is a list of the other 2020 awardees:

• SBA WOMAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD – Kathleen “Nikki” Edmundson, Canty Boots, Harrison, MT;
  • This award is given to a business that is at least 51% woman-owned with a successful track record and a commitment to strengthen woman-owned businesses within the community.  Nominated by: Julie Jaksha, Butte SBDC Regional Director, Headwaters RC&D
• SBA SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION OF THE YEAR AWARD – Mike Nelson, Northern Hotel, Billings, MT;
  • This award is given to an individual who promotes small business, including volunteering time and services to small business interests and groups, and advocates the cause of small business in their community.

Mike and his brother purchased the old Northern Hotel in downtown Billings in 2009, and he spent the next several years restoring this important piece of Montana history.  The re-opening of the Northern Hotel has created a new hub for business travelers and visitors and has revitalized the downtown area.  He is a hands-on business leader and actively involved with MSU College of Business and supporting young entrepreneurs at the high school level.  Nominated by: Steve Arveschoug, Executive Director, Big Sky Economic Development and Cory Moore, 2019 Big Sky Development Authority Board Chair.

• SBA VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Kelly King, Mountain Hot Tubs, Bozeman, MT;
  • This award is given to a business that is at least 51% veteran-owned with a successful track record and a commitment to strengthen veteran-owned businesses within the community.   Nominated by: JoAnn Jones, Loan Officer, Big Sky Finance, Helena

• SBA YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD – Levi Clark, Hybrid Steel Design, Geraldine, MT;
  • This award is given to a business that is at least 51% owned by an individual that is under the age of 35, has a successful track record and fulfills a commitment to strengthen businesses within the community.

Nominated by: Jason Nitschke, Great Falls SBDC Regional Director and Teresa Schreiner, Investment Director at Great Falls Development Authority

• 504 CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR – Big Sky Finance, Billings, MT

• 7(a) LENDER OF THE YEAR – Glacier Bancorp, Inc., Kalispell, MT